You are not too much

take up space,

take up all the space,

physically, emotionally, energetically,

you belong as you are,

take up space.

when we are taught, directly or otherwise,

that our needs are too much,

and we are more loveable when we play small,

we learn to self-abandon,

to fold ourselves in,

to disappear in plain sight.

though, you are allowed to exist without apology,

to breathe without shrinking,

to own your voice without over-explaining,

to rest without 'earning' it,

to speak, even when your voice shakes,

to have needs, and to name them,

and to be seen, fully.

let your presence be felt.

my darling, reclaim your space.